PSG’s Ligue 1 Opener Moved to Rennes as Parc des Princes Pitch Fails Safety Test

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Paris Saint-Germain’s opening match of their Ligue 1 title defence against Rennes has been moved from the Parc des Princes to Rennes’ Roazhon Park because of concerns over the condition of the pitch.

The French professional football league (LFP) announced the decision on Wednesday, stating that the surface at PSG’s home ground was not considered safe enough for the match to be played there.

“The current state of the pitch does not allow for player safety to be guaranteed,” the LFP said in a statement.

PSG were originally scheduled to host Rennes on Sunday, but the fixture will now take place at Roazhon Park, the home ground of the scheduled visitors.

The date and kick-off time remain unchanged, meaning PSG will begin their defence of the Ligue 1 title away from home.

As part of the arrangement, Rennes will travel to Paris to face PSG at the Parc des Princes during the weekend of March 6.

The fixture change comes shortly after PSG suffered a 1-0 defeat to Lens in the Champions’ Trophy, with the European champions also losing Portugal international Nuno Mendes to a red card.

Mendes has subsequently been handed a three match suspension for his dismissal in the match.

The PSG left-back was sent off in the 87th minute after elbowing Lens defender Michal Skoras.

As a result, Mendes will miss PSG’s Ligue 1 meetings with Rennes, Lille and Monaco.

Coach Luis Enrique could turn to new signing Lucas Digne to fill the vacancy at left-back. The France international recently joined PSG from Aston Villa and could now be handed an early opportunity to make his mark.

Meanwhile, Lens defender Kyllian Antonio has received a two-match suspension following his dismissal in Lens’ victory over PSG.

Antonio was sent off for a dangerous tackle on new PSG forward Maghnes Akliouche.

PSG will therefore begin their Ligue 1 title defence with an unusual home fixture away from the Parc des Princes, while the club also faces the immediate challenge of managing a key defensive absence following the Champions’ Trophy defeat.